Health and safety first in the water industry

Health and safety is a key feature of the water industry, and VicWater has been working to provide leadership and collaboration that seeks to continually improve outcomes for people involved in the industry.

Health and safety have long been a cornerstone of the Australian water industry’s operations, but as challenges evolve, so must the industry’s approach. From managing ageing infrastructure to addressing the rise of psychosocial risks, water corporations nationwide are tackling an ever-growing list of safety concerns. Leading this charge are the Safety Executive Group (SEG) and the OHS Network, managed by VicWater, which have become critical platforms for collaboration and improvement.

“Safety is about decision-making,” said Wayne Richards, Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality at Greater Western Water and the Chair of the SEG. “Whether it’s designing a treatment plant or managing an excavation, it all comes down to people having the right information to make good decisions.”

Facing health and safety challenges head-on

The water industry operates across vast geographical areas with diverse operational needs, often requiring tailored safety measures. Ageing infrastructure and the integration of new technologies only add to the complexity. As Richards noted, adapting to a changing environment is critical, particularly in response to external pressures like climate change and population growth.

“We’re in a constantly changing world, with emerging challenges,” Richards said. “Our population is growing, and so is the complexity of the environment in which we work. This presents not new risks but different likelihoods of risks, demanding adaptive techniques and strong leadership.”

The rise of psychosocial risks, such as workplace fatigue and occupational violence, has also shifted the safety landscape. Addressing these risks requires proactive engagement and a culture of openness. Rachael Raby from Barwon Water is the Chair of VicWater’s Occupational Health and Safety Network (OHS Network), highlighting the sector’s proactive stance on these issues.

“COVID-19 brought mental health into sharper focus,” Raby said. “Our sector has tackled these challenges head-on, fostering open discussions and uplifting how we interact with one another.”

This focus on psychosocial health is interconnected with physical safety.

“When people feel safe and supported mentally, they’re better equipped to make sound decisions, which ultimately enhances overall safety outcomes,” she said.

Collaboration through SEG and OHS networks

The SEG and the OHS Network are at the heart of the industry’s safety efforts. These groups provide a platform for joint learning and leveraging collective experience across the 18 water corporations involved. Sharing incident learnings, governance strategies, and training solutions has become a hallmark of these collaborations.

“It’s about joint learning and leverage,” Richards said. “For example, one corporation’s online training initiative became a whole-of-sector solution, saving time and resources while improving outcomes.”

These collaborations extend beyond training. The SEG has also facilitated the development of shared tools and libraries, including contractor management surveys and safety leadership, with future work planned on life-saving rules. This repository of best practices allows water corporations to avoid duplicating work and instead focus on continual improvement.

“We value the richness of learning within the SEG,” Richards said. “It’s a safe space where candid conversations help shape improvements across the sector.”

Additionally, the OHS Network fosters a collaborative spirit among practitioners, creating a community where questions are encouraged, and lessons are openly shared.

“No one pretends to have all the answers,” Raby said. “Instead, we reach out to one another for insights, building a stronger, more unified approach to safety.”

Towards a unified safety vision

A unified vision for health and safety is crucial in a sector with diverse operations. VicWater’s “safe and thriving” commitment statement has become an anchor for this vision, emphasising the interplay between physical and social health.

“Safety is at the core,” Richards said. “This commitment guides our approach, from internal operations to partnerships with delivery teams and community engagement.”

Another priority is consistency across the sector. Raby pointed to the need for standardised systems for contractors, who often work with multiple water corporations, each with different safety requirements.

“Streamlining processes for contractors not only reduces confusion but also allows them to focus on achieving better safety outcomes,” Raby said.

This drive for consistency also benefits internal operations. The SEG and OHS Network are actively exploring ways to enhance tools and systems across all participating organisations.

“Consistency makes sharing learnings and taking steps forward much easier,” Raby said. “It’s a big benefit for all of us.”

The industry’s vision extends beyond organisational boundaries, recognising the importance of community engagement. As Richards noted, “We’re not just improving safety for our employees, but for the broader communities we serve.”

The importance of leadership and culture

Leadership plays a pivotal role in embedding safety into the industry’s fabric. Strong leadership fosters a culture of prioritising safety at every level, from frontline workers to executive boards. Raby emphasised the significance of leadership programs and initiatives to nurture this culture.

“Our safety leadership programs empower individuals to take ownership of safety outcomes,” Raby said. “This ensures a consistent and proactive approach across the sector.”

Creating a culture where safety is second nature requires ongoing effort and engagement. As Richards observed, “Health and safety aren’t just boxes to tick. They’re principles that should guide every decision we make.”

Looking ahead

Health and safety in the water industry are far from static concepts. They are dynamic, requiring constant adaptation, innovation and collaboration. The SEG and OHS Network exemplify how industry-wide cooperation can lead to significant improvements. But as Richards aptly put it, “We’re never done. Safety is an ongoing piece of work.”

The challenge now is to embed safety so profoundly into the fabric of the water industry that it becomes second nature—not just for practitioners but for every person and partner involved. This vision is worth striving for, and with continued effort, it’s a future well within reach.

With an unwavering focus on innovation, leadership and collaboration, the Australian water industry is poised to meet the challenges ahead and ensure safety remains at the forefront of its operations.

As Raby said, “We’re not just improving for today. We’re building a legacy of safety for generations to come.”